For established businesses that have many employees and a great demand for efficient printing solutions, investing in a commercial color printer makes sense.
We use the word ‘investment’ here because that’s exactly what modern printers are.
On the other hand, small businesses that operate with tight budgets often have to think twice before incurring this kind of expense.
Fortunately, there are other options available too. If you’re searching for laser color printers in Colorado Springs, here’s what you should know:
Leasing a Printer – The Details
A printer can be leased just like any other equipment. However, the leasing option for printers has gradually evolved into what is now called managed print services.
Managed print services typically include charges for maintenance, toner, and paper. This way, small businesses can get a comprehensive, all-in-one package suited to their needs.
By opting for leasing, you can save on upfront costs, you won’t have to worry about disposal or resale at the end of use, and you won’t have to worry about buying a specialized printer only for it to become obsolete in a year or two.
On the other hand, when a lease term comes to an end, it’s likely that you’d have paid more than the actual value of the printer. This is because of interest. If a maintenance plan is part of the lease, you’d be paying interest on the printer and on the plan too.
Purchasing a Printer – Right for You?
For starters, buying a printer will be less expensive in the long run. Despite depreciation, a printer can still be sold once you’re done with it. You won’t have that option with a leased printer.
Lastly, in a lease agreement, you’re contractually prohibited from conducting any maintenance yourself as it’s the responsibility of the lessor. For a printer you own outright, though, repairs can be done ASAP.
The downside is that buying printers outright can be prohibitively expensive, as prices climb quickly depending on the make, model and features.
Moreover, disposal and replacement will be your issues to deal with, not the lessor’s.
Renting – How About It?
Many people confuse rental agreements with lease agreements.
Compared to lease agreements, which are long-term and less flexible, rental agreements are generally month-to-month and offer greater flexibility.
This option is perfect for you if your business has different printing requirements each month. If, for example, you’ve taken on a project that requires a lot of printing, you could easily rent a printer to handle it. You can also add maintenance services to your rent agreement. You should remember, though, that renting over a long period of time can rack up the costs, a lot like leasing a printer.
Since 1978, we’ve helped businesses with the technological solutions they need to thrive. Whether you need print management software solutions or commercial printers in Colorado Springs, count on the most trusted Colorado Springs computers and tech equipment company. Contact us today to get started!
